The InfoWars host helped push the Pizzagate theory, has suggested the Sandy Hook shooting was fake and that Chobani imported migrant rapists. But who is he?
InfoWars host Alex Jones‘ interview with Megyn Kelly is sure to include many of the conspiracy theorists‘ claims.
The former Texas public-access television host rose to prominence when then-presidential candidate Donald Trump lauded his work in the run-up to the election. Since then he’s pushed various conspiracy theories, which often were followed with apologies.
Now he’s claimed to have released his interview with Kelly days before the much-anticipated report airs on NBC, claiming the report is a „fraud.“
More: Alex Jones leaks pre-interview talks with Megyn Kelly
Here’s what you need to know about Jones:
Jones has floated the theory the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting never happened. The shooting, which left 26 people dead including 20 children, „has more holes in it than Swiss Cheese, “ he said.
The victims in the shooting, he said, were played by child actors. As a result, the family of a 6-year-old killed at Sandy Hook has endured threats and harassment from people who say the boy never existed.
Lawyers for Jones‘ ex-wife Kelly Jones claimed in court his radio show is evidence he’s an unfit parent.
The ex-couple was involved in a contentious child custody case over the couple’s three children earlier this year. Jones ended up losing primary custody of the children.
The provocateur’s attorneys said he plays a character online and described the show as „performance art.“
Jones said the then-president-elect called him after the November election to thank him and his listeners for helping him win.
Trump had repeated the Jones theory, among others, that there was widespread voter fraud against him.
“On my way here Donald Trump gave me a call… I wanted to talk to you to thank your audience and I’ ll be on in the next few weeks to thank them. I said ‘is this a private call?’ He said ‘no, I want to thank your viewers, thank your listeners for standing up for this Republic. We know what you did early on and throughout this campaign to stand up for what is right, “ Jones said.
The Greek yogurt maker sued Jones earlier this year over an InfoWars story with the headline, „Idaho Yogurt Maker Caught Importing Rapists.“ The case has been resolved .
The InfoWars report tied Chobani to a Twin Falls, Idaho, case in which three refugee boys were accused of sexually assaulting a 5-year-old girl. Chobani operates the world’s largest yogurt manufacturing plant in Twin Falls.
The company also claimed InfoWars accused them of bringing „crime and tuberculosis“ to the Twin Falls community.
Jones later retracted the story, the New York Times reported, saying the claims against Chobani were wrong and that he „mischaracterized“ the company.
“The tweets and video have now been retracted and will not be reposted, “ the Times reported. „On behalf of InfoWars, I regret that we mischaracterized Chobani, its employees and the people of Twin Falls, Idaho, the way we did.”
Jones apologized for promoting a conspiracy theory that eventually led to a shooting at a Washington, D. C., pizza restaurant last year.
The New York Times reported Jones made a public apology to the owner of the restaurant, Comet Ping Pong, for promoting the theory that Hillary Clinto n operated a child sex ring at the restaurant. On Dec. 4, a North Carolina man opened fire inside the pizza shop.
Follow Sean Rossman on Twitter: @SeanRossman
